Where is the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major?
The Rectus Capitis Posterior Major is located at the upper part of the neck at the back of the skull diagonally down into the center of the second vertebra.
One of the suboccipital muscles - Part of the suboccipital triangle.
What is the function of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major?
When the chin is tilted down this muscle extends the head.
Rectus Capitis Posterior Major Problems
These small muscles have frequently been associated with numerous neck and head pain. The upper neck is often a source of tension where it can collect causing the muscle to shorten. Over time this compresses the upper posterior discs shortening the space between them and limiting the motion around the first two vertebrae.
Adverse tension in the rectus capitis posterior minor can therefore be pull this fascial connection and transmit tensile forces to the dura mater, a richly innervated neurological tissue which is a possible cause of frequent headaches.
Where is the Origin and Insertion of the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major?
Origin:
C2 Spinous process of axis
Insertion:
Lateral half of inferior nuchal line
Where are the Suboccipital Muscles?
The suboccipitals are a group for four small muscles that attach at the C1 or C2 vertebrae. The are located at the top of the neck.
These are four paired muscles
- Rectus capitis posterior major BLUE - located on the spinous process of the axis (C2) to the occipital bone.
- Rectus capitis posterior minor GREEN - located on the center of the posterior arch of the atlas to the occipit.
- Obliquus capitis superior GREEN - located at the transverse process of the atlas to the occiput.
- Obliquus capitis inferior RED - located at the pine of the axis vertebra to the transverse process of the atlas.
